Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Grain Free Duck and Potato Puppy

by Natural Balance

Overall Score: 84/100

Ingredients

1. Duck (protein)
2. Duck Broth (protein)
3. Potatoes (carbohydrate)
4. Dehydrated Potatoes (other)
5. Potato Protein (other)
6. Vitamins (L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source Of Vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid) (other)
7. Dicalcium Phosphate (mineral)
8. Calcium Carbonate (mineral)
9. Potassium Chloride (mineral)
10. Duck Meal (protein)
11. Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols) (other)
12. Guar Gum (additive)
13. Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite) (other)
14. Salt (mineral)
15. Natural Smoke Flavor (other)
16. Carrageenan (additive)
17. Yucca Schidigera Extract (additive)
18. Taurine (additive)
19. Rosemary Extract (preservative)

Ingredient concerns

• Sodium Selenite (low concern): Sodium selenite is an inorganic form of selenium with a narrower safety margin than organic forms (such as selenium yeast). It has lower bioavailability and higher potential for toxicity at elevated levels compared to organic selenium sources. Some premium pet foods use selenium yeast instead as a safer alternative.
• Carrageenan (high concern): Research has shown that both degraded carrageenan (poligeenan) and food-grade carrageenan can promote intestinal inflammation in animal models. Studies have linked carrageenan exposure to intestinal lesions, ulcerations, and colitis-like symptoms in laboratory animals. While the FDA considers food-grade carrageenan safe, concerns remain about degradation during processing and digestion. The Cornucopia Institute petitioned the USDA to remove carrageenan from organic food standards.

Guaranteed analysis (dry-matter basis)

On a dry-matter basis (water removed for a fair wet-vs-dry comparison): protein 26.7%, fat 11.1%, fiber 0%, ash 7.5%, carbohydrate 54.7%. By calories: 24.6% from protein, 24.9% from fat, 50.5% from carbohydrate.

AAFCO compliance

This food meets the AAFCO growth dog nutrient minimums we can verify — protein 26.7% vs 22.5% minimum, fat 11.1% vs 8.5% minimum.

Dry food, grain-free, for the puppy life stage.

Similar products

• Natural Balance Specialized Nutrition Digestive and Immune Health Lamb and Brown Rice Formula Stew — 99/100
• Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Small Breed Adult Wet Dog Food - 3.5 oz — 95/100
• Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Adult Wet Dog Food - Lamb & Brown Rice — 94/100
• Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Adult Wet Dog Food - Beef & Brown Rice, 13 oz — 94/100
• Natural Balance Original Ultra Grain Free Chicken and Sweet Potato — 93/100

As an Amazon Associate, KibbleWatcher earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Our scoring is independent of any affiliate revenue.